East India Club

The East India Club stands in St James’s Square, a quiet corner of Westminster lined with tall Georgian houses. The club itself occupies a large white stucco building on the west side of the square. It began in 1849 as a meeting place for officers who had served the East India Company. Over the years it absorbed other clubs and now welcomes members from leading public schools. Its full title still recalls the Devonshire, Sports and Public Schools’ Club after successive mergers. The club’s rooms reflect its layered past. The American Bar was refurbished with funds from American officers who stayed during the Second World War. The Clive Room honours Robert Clive of the East India Company, while the Rugby Room once hosted the International Rugby Board. A library holds both old and new books, and the cigar lounge sells cigars that members may smoke there. Sixty-seven bedrooms provide accommodation for visiting members and guests. Beyond the clubhouse, members can join active sections for cricket, rugby, polo and rowing. The polo calendar runs from April to September with trips abroad to watch high-goal matches. The rowing squad trains at Quintin Boat Club in Chiswick and has won the Small Club Pennant at the Head of the River Race. Shooting events welcome novices as well as experienced marksmen, and the yacht squadron competes in sailing regattas across the season.